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Application of Gel Polish

Step by step guide

In this video, we guide you through the correct and easy way to apply Gel Polish at home. Whether you are a beginner or just need a refresher, you will get all the essential tips and techniques to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result – every time.

Products used in this guide:

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Step by Step

  • 1. Step Prep (before Gel Polish)

    1. Prepare your nail

    When applying Gel Polish, it is important to prepare your nail thoroughly to achieve both a beautiful and long-lasting result. Proper preparation is essential for the longevity of your manicure, so prep will become your new favorite step.

    You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails here.

    But if you are already experienced in doing nails, you know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle cutter, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.

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  • 2. Base Coat (Before Gel Polish)

    2. Apply your Base Coat

    You start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat on the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush and place the brush head in the middle of the nail, pressing the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush flat against the nail plate. Then pull the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, before sealing the product at the edge of the nail tip. It is important that your Base Coat comes close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail. Gel Polish cannot adhere to your natural nail, which is why it is essential to go all the way to the edges when applying your Base Coat.

    It can be tricky to get all the way to the edge with your Base Coat without hitting the skin. Therefore, you can advantageously use a Liner Brush to guide the product precisely to the edges. If you accidentally touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, you must remove it before curing the product. For this, it is best to use one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to wipe away the product.

    Let the Base Coat cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Note that the Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing – this is completely normal and must not be removed or touched. This layer simply helps the following products adhere better to your Base Coat.

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  • 3. Gel Polish

    3. Apply your Gel Polish

    After applying your Base Coat, it is time to apply your Gel Polish. Before opening the bottle, it can be a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle so it is easy and comfortable to roll between your hands. This ensures that the pigments are evenly distributed in the bottle. It is important not to shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may be visible when applied to the nail.

    The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the color, as more pigmented shades or glitter can be a bit thicker. Your Gel Polish is applied in the same way as your Base Coat. Apply a thin layer of Gel Polish to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, place the brush head in the middle of the nail, and press the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush flat against the nail plate. Then pull the product up along the side of the nail to the tip, before sealing by running the brush along the edge of your nail tip.

    It is important that your Gel Polish comes close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail. To achieve this, you can advantageously use a Liner Brush to guide the product right to the edges. A Liner Brush can also make it easier to seal the nail tip, especially if you have shorter nails.

    Once your Gel Polish is applied as you want it, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60–90 seconds. A good tip is to do one nail at a time, curing it for 10 seconds, and then finish by curing all nails together for 60–90 seconds – this prevents the product from running while you are working on your nails.

    If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several layers. Remember: better 4 paper-thin layers than 2 thick ones. It is important to cure each layer for 60–90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

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  • 4. Top Coat

    4. Apply your Top Coat

    Once you have cured your nails, the final step is to apply the Top Coat. This is done the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. It is important that your Top Coat is applied over the entire nail, as it encapsulates both the Base Coat and Gel Polish, sealing all the layers and ensuring great durability.

    Your Top Coat must cure for 60–90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp. Our Top Coat does not leave a sticky layer, so once you have applied it, you can advantageously add a little cuticle oil around the edges – and your nails are done! Now comes the tricky question: where should you share your new nails first? Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook? We cannot wait to see the result!

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